BBSRC NWDP Scholarship 2027 in UK | Fully Funded

BBSRC NWDP Scholarship supports doctoral training in bioscience, providing fully funded studentships, training and research opportunities in the UK for postgraduate researchers. The BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme (NWDP) prepares researchers to address 21st-century bioscience challenges.

The programme is delivered by The University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool in partnership with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and industry partners including Boots No7, Unilever, Waters and Bionow, with widening participation support from In2ScienceUK.

BBSRC NWDP Scholarship Benefits

• Receive a fully funded studentship covering tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (2024/25: £19,237 per year) for four years, as well as additional funding for workshops, training courses, and research visits to enhance your skills.
• Receive comprehensive training tailored to your individual and project needs throughout your postgraduate research.
• Join a community of more than 100 BBSRC funded postgraduate researchers and get the chance to network with peers, institutions, and external partners.
• Continue to improve your skills and knowledge via annual training events and opportunities that promote interdisciplinary skills and networking, including Enterprising Researcher training, regional and national conferences such as the BBSRC NWDP Annual Conference, and writing retreats to refine and enhance writing skills.
• Get the chance to undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIP) and potentially work in industry during years 1-3.
• Receive support to plan, develop and pursue future careers beyond research, underpinned by innovative PhD-to-workforce programmes – PhD-PROSPER and BIOBRIDGE.

BBSRC NWDP Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• These studentships are available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate for four years.
• Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area.
• International applicants: We are able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK; full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
• International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying.

How to Apply for BBSRC NWDP Scholarship

• Check you’re eligible — Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme and check you have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for in our postgraduate researchers on our ‘Eligibility and entry requirements’ page.
• Find a project — Browse all of our BBSRC NWDP in Bioscience projects once they’re live, and discover one at either The University of Manchester or the University of Liverpool which you’re passionate about and matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
• Contact a supervisor — Reaching out to your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.
• Prepare your supporting documents — Supporting statement; reference details; degree certificates and transcripts (or proof of enrolment); official English language certificates if applicable; and CV. A research statement is not required for this programme.
• Complete your application — Apply online and use: Level of study: Postgraduate Research; Entry year: 2027/28; Intake: September. For funding include: Funding: Yes; Type of Funding: Research Council; Awarding Body: BBSRC PhD Studentship; Status of Funding: Awarded; Funding covers: Fully Funded.
• Interview — If invited to interview days following supervisor nominations, interviews take place via Zoom and will assess CV, academic record and references; you will give a short presentation of up to 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the BBSRC NWDP Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, projects, and how to apply based on official programme information.